The success can be traced to a singular focus – books – specialization, and customer service in local communities.

Also on Friday, a report from newser.com announced a Toys R Us resurrection, with pop-up shops just in time for the holiday season. Even Geoffrey, the chain’s giraffe mascot, is making a comeback, after calling it quits earlier this year.

I’m confident Toys R Us, and other retailers on the brink of collapse, can still survive in this market.

Nostalgia can only take the store so far. It will take a narrowing of the products and services, hopefully shedding Babys R Us and other spin-off stores.

But for many brands, going back to the basics is a great place to start.